“I wonder where the snake is from?” I asked. “Its natural habitat, I mean?”

Molloy’s gaze followed mine and he looked at the mug in his hand. Then he looked at me. “I don’t know. As I said, I’ll have to check with Maeve. I’ve just had a missed call from her as a matter of fact. Why?”

“I wonder if the snake might have been from Nigeria?”

“Nigeria?”

“I’ve been looking at Bob Jameson’s obituaries and he did some work in Nigeria. Lived there for a few years doing charity work. Lots of snakes in Nigeria.”

Molloy raised his eyebrows. “Mmm. That’s worth checking out, I suppose. Maybe there’s a connection, revenge from something he did back then.”

I took a sip of my coffee, feeling quite pleased with myself. Molloy smiled, making me flush, and I was transported back to the conversation I’d had with Phyllis in the car. She was right: one of us was as bad as the other.

He drained his coffee and looked at his watch. “Anyway, it’s nearly five – are you coming to this meeting?”

Chapter Fifteen

WE LEFT THE office, Molloy and I, intending to walk down together. But Jude Burns was waiting for me when we came out, standing on the opposite side of the street under one of those huge golfing umbrellas of his. He looked apologetic as he crossed to meet us.

“Sorry, I saw you go in with …” He nodded at Molloy, clearly unsure of his name. “I didn’t want to disturb you, so I thought I’d lie in wait.” He smiled sheepishly, an expression that seemed ill-suited to a biker of his dimensions. “Can I have a quick word?”

Behind the smile he looked worried. “Sure,” I said, glancing at Molloy. “I have to get to this meeting, though, so I haven’t got long.”

Molloy headed off, phone to his ear again, and I turned the key again to go back into the office. Jude shook the umbrella out and folded it, leaning it neatly against the door jamb.

“Is everything okay?” I asked.

He followed me into the reception area. “Not really.” He paused. “I wondered what Lissa had told you.”

I gave him a narrow look. “You know I can’t tell you. You’re an accountant, so you know about confidentiality. It’s up to her to tell you if she wants to.”

He looked down, one hand on the reception desk as if he needed it to balance him. “Ah, I know. Just thought it was worth a shot. I’m worried about her. I think there’s more to this break-up with Chris than she’s letting on.”

“Why do you say that?” I asked carefully.